Jewelry care is just as important as craftsmanship. Even when pieces are made by an experienced jewelry manufacturer, their shine and durability depend on proper cleaning, storage, and handling.
The good news is that maintenance doesn't have to be complicated. With the right habits-like gentle cleaning, smart storage, and avoiding harsh chemicals-you can protect every material, from metals and gemstones to delicate organic or special pieces.
In this guide, we share practical jewelry care methods for all types of materials, helping brands, retailers, and collectors keep their pieces looking brilliant for years.
Base Metal Jewelry Care
Base metals such as stainless steel, brass, titanium, and tungsten are valued for their strength and affordability, making them popular in everyday jewelry. Yet even durable materials need the right care. Below are practical tips for cleaning, storing, and protecting each type to keep them looking their best.
Stainless Steel Jewelry
Cleaning
Stainless steel is durable and resists tarnish. Wash with warm soapy water and wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid bleach or harsh cleaners, which can damage the surface.
Care & Storage
Wipe jewelry after each wear to remove sweat and oils. Store in fabric pouches or lined boxes, away from harder gemstones or metals.
Avoid
Do not expose stainless steel to chlorine pools or cleaning chemicals.
Brass Jewelry
Cleaning
Brass tarnishes quickly when exposed to air. Clean with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly, and use a brass polishing cloth for light tarnish.
Care & Storage
Wipe after wear to slow oxidation. Keep brass in airtight pouches with anti-tarnish strips, separate from other jewelry.
Avoid
Avoid perfumes, lotions, sweat, and humidity, which speed up discoloration.
Plated Alloy & Gold Plated Jewelry
Cleaning
Plated jewelry has a thin metal layer that can wear off if treated harshly. Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth only. Do not soak in water or use polishing agents, ultrasonic cleaners, or abrasive pads.
Care & Storage
Wipe jewelry after wearing to remove sweat and oils. Store in separate fabric pouches or lined boxes, away from heat and humidity to slow fading.
Avoid
Keep plated jewelry away from water, chlorine, bleach, perfumes, lotions, hairspray, sweat, and cleaning chemicals. Remove it before swimming, showering, exercising, or applying skincare products.
Titanium & Tungsten Jewelry
Cleaning
Both metals are highly durable. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive powders that may dull the finish.
Care & Storage
Store separately in lined boxes or pouches. Titanium may scratch, while tungsten can crack if dropped on hard surfaces.
Avoid
Do not expose to harsh chemicals. Remove tungsten rings before heavy activities to prevent breakage.
Precious Metal Jewelry Care
Precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum are prized for their beauty and long-lasting value. However, they are not indestructible-scratches, tarnish, and chemical damage can occur without proper care. Regular gentle cleaning, careful storage, and avoiding harsh environments are the keys to preserving their shine. Below are specific tips for each type.
Gold Jewelry (Solid, Filled & Vermeil)
Cleaning
Gold resists tarnish but scratches easily. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Be gentle with vermeil and filled pieces, as their outer layer can wear with harsh scrubbing.
Care & Storage
Wipe after wearing to remove oils. Store gold jewelry in separate pouches or lined boxes, away from harder metals that can scratch it.
Avoid
Keep away from bleach, chlorine, and abrasive cleaners. Remove before swimming or applying lotions and perfumes.
Sterling Silver Jewelry
Cleaning
Silver tarnishes quickly when exposed to air and moisture. Use warm soapy water and a silver polishing cloth for light tarnish. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Care & Storage
Wipe jewelry after wear. Store in airtight bags with anti-tarnish strips, away from humidity.
Avoid
Do not expose silver to chlorine, perfumes, or sulfur-rich environments, which speed up dark tarnish.
Platinum & Palladium Jewelry
Cleaning
Platinum and palladium resist tarnish but can still scratch. Clean with soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry thoroughly.
Care & Storage
Store in separate pouches, as these dense metals may scratch softer jewelry. Wipe regularly to maintain shine.
Avoid
Keep away from harsh chemicals that can dull the polish or damage settings.
Gemstone Jewelry Care
Gemstones require careful handling to stay bright and secure. Hard stones like diamonds need regular cleaning to remove oils, while softer or porous gems, such as emeralds, pearls, and turquoise, demand gentler methods. The following sections explain how to clean, store, and protect different gemstones to keep them in their best condition.
Diamonds, Lab-grown Diamonds & Moissanite
Cleaning
These stones are extremely hard but collect oils and fingerprints that dull brilliance. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush, then dry with a lint-free cloth.
Care & Storage
Store separately, as diamonds and moissanite can scratch softer stones and metals. Wipe after wearing to remove oils, and check prongs regularly to keep stones secure.
Avoid
Avoid chlorine pools and harsh chemicals, which weaken settings. Remove during heavy work to prevent chips or loosening.
Sapphire, Ruby & Spinel
Cleaning
These gems are very hard and can be safely cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Rinse well and dry to maintain brilliance.
Care & Storage
Although durable, they can scratch softer stones, so store in separate pouches or lined boxes. Wipe after wear to remove dust and residue.
Avoid
Avoid harsh chemicals or extreme heat, which may damage surface treatments or alter color. Do not use abrasives.
Emerald, Turquoise, Malachite & Lapis Lazuli
Cleaning
These gems are soft and porous, making them sensitive to chemicals. Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth only; avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
Care & Storage
Store separately in fabric pouches, away from harder stones. Keep in a stable, dry environment and wipe after wear to remove surface dust.
Avoid
Do not expose to perfumes, lotions, heat, or water, which can cause cracks, fading, or discoloration.
Quartz, Crystal, Glass & Cubic Zirconia
Cleaning
These stones attract oils and fingerprints, which reduce clarity. Wash with warm soapy water, rinse well, and dry with a soft cloth.
Care & Storage
Store in lined boxes or soft pouches to prevent scratches, especially when kept with harder gemstones. Wipe gently after wear to maintain shine.
Avoid
Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, which can dull the surface and weaken clarity over time.
Pearl, Shell, Coral & Amber
Cleaning
These organic gems are delicate and sensitive to acids. Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth after wearing; never soak or use ultrasonic cleaners.
Care & Storage
Store in soft fabric pouches with a slightly humid environment to prevent drying or cracking. Keep separate from harder gems to avoid scratches.
Avoid
Avoid perfumes, cosmetics, heat, and direct sunlight, as these can cause fading, surface damage, or brittleness.
Cat's eye
Cleaning
Cat's eye gemstones should be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Rinse gently and dry well to maintain their natural sheen.
Care & Storage
Store in separate fabric pouches to protect the chatoyancy effect from scratches. Keep away from sudden temperature changes that may stress the stone.
Avoid
Avoid harsh chemicals, steam cleaners, and heat shocks, which can cause cracks or weaken the stone's optical effect.
Black Onyx / Agate
Cleaning
Black onyx and agate are relatively durable but can be damaged by chemicals. Wipe gently with a soft damp cloth and dry immediately; avoid soaking.
Care & Storage
Store in fabric pouches or lined boxes, away from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. Clean after wear to remove oils that may dull the surface.
Avoid
Avoid strong heat, detergents, and acidic solutions, which can cause fading, cracks, or surface damage.
Quick Jewelry Care Reference Table
Keeping track of different cleaning schedules can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, here's a quick-reference guide that shows how often to clean each type of jewelry and the best way to store it. Use this table as a handy checklist to keep your collection in top condition.
| Jewelry Type | Cleaning Frequency | Storage Tip | Lifespan (with care) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Every 2–4 weeks | Fabric pouch; keep dry | 10–20+ years |
| Brass | Every 2–3 weeks | Airtight pouch with anti-tarnish strip | 5–10 years |
| Plated Alloy / Gold Plated | Every 2–3 weeks | Store separately; avoid humidity | 1–3 years |
| Titanium & Tungsten | Every 4–6 weeks | Lined box; separate from hard stones | 20+ years |
| Gold (Solid) | Every 3–4 weeks | Separate pouch; avoid scratches | Lifetime |
| Gold Filled / Vermeil | Every 3–4 weeks | Separate storage; gentle use | 5–10 years |
| Sterling Silver | Every 2–3 weeks | Airtight bag with anti-tarnish strip | 10–15 years |
| Platinum & Palladium | Every 4–6 weeks | Store separately to prevent scratches | Lifetime |
| Diamonds / Lab-Grown / Moissanite | Every 1–2 weeks | Separate box; avoid scratching softer gems | Lifetime |
| Sapphire, Ruby & Spinel | Every 2–3 weeks | Store apart; wipe after wear | Lifetime |
| Emerald, Turquoise, Malachite, Lapis | After each wear (wipe only) | Fabric pouch; avoid moisture | 5–15 years |
| Quartz, Crystal, CZ, Glass | Every 2–3 weeks | Lined box; gentle wipe often | 10–20 years |
| Pearl, Shell, Coral, Amber | After each wear (wipe only) | Soft pouch; slightly humid storage | 5–10 years |
| Cat's Eye | Every 3–4 weeks | Separate pouch; stable temperature | 10–20 years |
| Black Onyx / Agate | Every 2–3 weeks | Fabric pouch; avoid chemicals | 10–20 years |
| Enamel | Every 3–4 weeks | Store separately; handle carefully | 5–10 years |
| Leather & Fabric | After each wear (dry wipe) | Cool, ventilated place; no water | 3–5 years |
| Wood & Ceramic | Every 4–6 weeks | Pouch/box; handle gently | 10–15 years |
| Resin & Acrylic | Every 3–4 weeks | Keep away from heat and sunlight | 3–5 years |
source：
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
- Jewelers of America
- International Gem Society (IGS)
- American Chemical Society (ACS) – Research on metal corrosion and chemical reactions with alloys
Special Materials Jewelry Care
Not all jewelry is made of metal or gemstones. Pieces with enamel, leather, fabric, wood, or ceramic have their own charm, but they also need extra attention. Here's how to keep them looking good.
Enamel Jewelry
Cleaning
Enamel is decorative but brittle. Clean gently with a soft damp cloth and avoid soaking or scrubbing.
Care & Storage
Store in separate pouches to prevent chips from contact with hard surfaces. Handle with care.
Avoid
Avoid hard impact, acids, and abrasives, which can crack or dull the enamel finish.
Leather & Fabric Jewelry
Cleaning
Leather and fabric absorb moisture and oils. Wipe with a dry soft cloth only; never soak in water.
Care & Storage
Store in a cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent drying or mildew.
Avoid
Avoid water, perfumes, sweat, and humidity, which stain or damage fibers.
Wood & Ceramic Jewelry
Cleaning
Wood and ceramic are natural but fragile. Wipe gently with a soft dry cloth; do not immerse in liquids.
Care & Storage
Store in fabric pouches or lined boxes to prevent scratches and cracks. Handle ceramic with care.
Avoid
Avoid heat, water, and dropping on hard surfaces, which cause warping, discoloration, or breakage.
Synthetic & Alternative Materials Care
Resin & Acrylic Jewelry
Cleaning
Resin and acrylic are lightweight but prone to scratches. Clean gently with a soft damp cloth and avoid soaking in water or using abrasives.
Care & Storage
Store in cool, dry places, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or warping. Keep pieces in separate pouches to avoid surface scratches.
Avoid
Avoid heat, solvents, perfumes, and harsh cleaners, which can cause discoloration or surface cracks.
key Takeaways
Jewelry care isn't complicated, but it also isn't one-size-fits-all. Metals, gemstones, and organic materials each need their own cleaning and storage routines to stay in top condition.
Pieces crafted by a skilled jewelry manufacturer are built to last, but craftsmanship alone is not enough. With the right habits-gentle cleaning, smart storage, and avoiding harsh chemicals-your jewelry will continue to shine for years to come.